If You Really Care About Girls, Stop Saying They're ‘Too Fat’! It Can Lead to Obesity

TakePart | May 1, 2014

Experts agree that the key to talking to girls about their bodies and health is not focusing on “fat” but on another f-word, “fun.” Family members being healthy and active help too, said Judy Norsigian, executive director of the nonprofit organization Our Bodies Ourselves, whose women’s health tome by the same name has been translated into 25 languages since it was published in 1970.

“Positive reinforcement is better than shaming,” said Norsigian. “Your body is your temple. The focus should be about having good fats, not bad fats, in our diets, more omega-3 fatty acids, more fresh fruits and vegetables. It should be about finding what you like to eat that’s healthy, and having fun eating. Your body weight will end up where it is meant to be.”

Read the full story: If You Really Care About Girls, Stop Saying They’re ‘Too Fat’! It Can Lead to Obesity by Solvej Schou